Car checks recommended to reduce breakdown risk

Fahad Redha

March 30, 2026
3 min read

Car checks recommended to reduce breakdown risk

Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging drivers to perform simple seasonal car checks to reduce the risk of a breakdown. “Focusing on tyres, lights, wipers and essential fluids will help make the most of a springtime journey to the countryside or coast,” it said.

“A few simple actions can reduce the risk of an unexpected roadside breakdown and help ensure an Easter or early‑summer getaway is not disrupted,” GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said.

Fuel Prices Drive Surge in EV Interest Among US Consumers

Rising fuel costs are pushing more drivers to consider electric vehicles as a cost-effective alternative.

Drivers Who Park on Pavements Could Face New Fines

New proposals aim to tackle pavement parking, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians.

Potholes Crisis: UK Roads Need £18 Billion for Repairs

A growing backlog of road maintenance issues is raising safety concerns and increasing costs for drivers.

It recommends inspecting tyre pressure and tread depths. To ensure that you have at least 3mm of tread, place a 20p coin into the groove of the tyre. If the outer band is visible when the coin is in the tread, the tyre is likely at or below the legal limit and needs to be replaced. Tread in a tyre is crucial as it helps it grip the road better, especially in wet conditions.

Ensure all lights and indicators are working, replace worn windscreen wiper blades, and top up any fluids including oil, coolant, brake fluid, and screen wash. One of the most common reasons for a car to fail its MOT is low fluid levels.

If your car has sat for a long time without being driven, and the battery is less than five years old, ask a local garage to carry out a quick battery health check.

“Fuel costs are at record levels, so keeping a car in good condition will help you get the most from every drop of fuel or kilowatt‑hour of battery charge,” Luckhurst said. “Correct tyre pressures alone can typically improve fuel economy by around 3%, while gentle acceleration, anticipating traffic flow and avoiding hard braking all help to reduce consumption and extend electric driving range.

“Many simple tasks can be completed at home with reference to your driver handbook. A local garage or mobile technician can help with anything more involved. After all, a car that’s fit for the road is safer, less stressful to drive and much less likely to let you down, which is good news for your wallet as well as for everyone’s safety.”

Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!

About Author

Fahad Redha

Fahad is the Content Editor at EyeOnLondon, overseeing the publication’s editorial output across news, culture, and lifestyle. With a background in journalism from the University of the Creative Arts, he brings a broad range of experience from local London reporting in Kensington & Chelsea, where he held roles including motoring, events, and health editor. At EyeOnLondon, Fahad plays a central role in shaping content and maintaining editorial standards. His work spans everything from daily news to feature coverage, with a particular strength in motoring and events. He also incorporates photography into his reporting, adding a visual layer to many of his stories. Fahad joined EyeOnLondon in February 2021.